Introduction
あじさいの花を切って玄関先につるしたら小金に困らないと is a popular saying in Japan that suggests a way to avoid financial troubles. The idea behind this saying is that if you hang hydrangea flowers at your entrance, you will attract good luck and financial prosperity. In this article, we will explore the meaning and history behind this saying, as well as the cultural significance of hydrangea flowers in Japan.
The Symbolism of Hydrangea Flowers in Japan
Hydrangea flowers, or ajisai in Japanese, are a common sight in Japan during the rainy season, which typically lasts from June to July. The flowers are known for their large, colorful blooms and are often used in traditional Japanese gardens and flower arrangements. In Japanese culture, hydrangea flowers are associated with a range of meanings, including gratitude, apology, and understanding.
According to one popular legend, a feudal lord named Hosokawa Katsumoto was forced to flee from his castle during a rebellion. While in hiding, he came across a small cottage where he was taken in by an old woman. In gratitude for her kindness, Hosokawa gave the woman a small hydrangea plant as a gift. The following year, when Hosokawa had regained his power, he returned to the cottage to thank the woman again. To his surprise, the small plant he had given her had grown into a large, beautiful hydrangea bush. From that day on, Hosokawa began to associate hydrangea flowers with gratitude and kindness.
The Meaning Behind the Saying
The saying あじさいの花を切って玄関先につるしたら小金に困らないと is often translated as “if you hang hydrangea flowers at your entrance, you will never be short of money.” The idea behind this saying is that hydrangea flowers are believed to attract good luck and financial prosperity. By hanging them at your entrance, you are inviting these positive energies into your home and warding off financial troubles.
While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, the saying remains a popular belief in Japan. Many Japanese people still hang hydrangea flowers at their entrance during the rainy season in the hopes of attracting good luck and fortune.
How to Hang Hydrangea Flowers
If you want to try out the tradition of hanging hydrangea flowers at your entrance, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you will need to find a suitable spot to hang the flowers. The entrance to your home is the most common location, but you could also try hanging them in your garden or on your balcony.
Next, you will need to choose the right type of hydrangea flower. In Japan, the most commonly used variety is the bigleaf hydrangea, which has large, colorful blooms. You can buy these flowers at a florist or pick them from your own garden if you have a hydrangea bush.
Once you have your hydrangea flowers, you will need to prepare them for hanging. Cut the stems to the desired length and remove any excess leaves or branches. You can then tie the stems together with string or ribbon and hang them from a hook or nail.
The Cultural Significance of Hydrangea Flowers in Japan
Hydrangea flowers have been an important part of Japanese culture for centuries. They are often featured in traditional Japanese paintings and poetry, and are a popular subject for photographers and artists.
In addition to their symbolic meanings, hydrangea flowers are also valued for their beauty. During the rainy season, when they are in full bloom, they add a splash of color to the otherwise gray and dreary landscape.
Hydrangea flowers are also an important part of Japanese festivals and celebrations. In Kyoto, for example, there is a famous Hydrangea Festival held every June at the Mimurotoji Temple. During the festival, visitors can see thousands of hydrangea plants in bloom and enjoy traditional Japanese food and entertainment.
Conclusion
あじさいの花を切って玄関先につるしたら小金に困らないと is a popular saying in Japan that suggests hanging hydrangea flowers at your entrance to attract good luck and financial prosperity. While there is no scientific evidence to support this claim, hydrangea flowers remain an important part of Japanese culture and are valued for their beauty and symbolic meanings.
If you want to try out this tradition for yourself, be sure to choose the right type of hydrangea flower and prepare them properly for hanging. Who knows, you may just attract some good luck and financial prosperity into your life!
